Many commercial and specialist rubber products are developed through a
process known as rubber moulding. There are several different
techniques but in this case we will be focussing on compression and
injection moulding. Read on for our complete guide to rubber injection
moulding and rubber compression moulding, including how these techniques
work and their main advantages and disadvantages.Get more news about
Rubber Moulding,you can vist our website!
Compression moulding is the oldest, simplest and often the most
economical method of manufacturing a rubber product. Developed as far
back as the 1850s, compression moulding is the original method of
moulding rubber and is just as relevant today for manufacturing low to
medium volumes of rubber products.
Compression moulding works by combining heat and pressure to mould
rubber into a shape. The rubber is shaped using a heated mould tool and
the clamping pressure of a press. Chemical changes to the rubber, known
as the curing or vulcanisation process, occur before cooling and the
extraction of the final part.
As with any manufacturing process, there are advantages and
disadvantages to compression moulding. We have listed the main ones
below to give you a clearer idea of what you can expect from this
technique.
Injection moulding was created as an extension of the plastics
industry in the early 1960s. This manufacturing process involves
injecting material into a closed mould and can be performed with a
variety of materials, including plastics, metals, glasses, and thermoset
elastomers and polymers.
Injection moulding works by feeding the desired material into a
heated barrel, where it is mixed and forced into a mould cavity where it
cures and hardens into shape. Moulds are usually constructed from steel
or aluminium to form the features of the part. In many cases, this is
the most efficient way to mould rubber.
Ultimately, the choice of whether to opt for rubber compression
moulding or injection moulding largely boils down to cost, volume and
time pressures. Neither technique is better than the other per se, it
entirely depends on the requirements of your product and application.
Our highly experienced experts here at Martin’s Rubber will assess your
needs and recommend the most applicable technique for your goals.
